Enzymatic Activity Post Harvest

Enzymatic activity post-harvest refers to the biochemical processes that continue in cannabis plant tissue after cutting, including degradation of chlorophyll, conversion of starches, and modification of terpene and cannabinoid profiles. These enzyme-driven changes are influenced by drying temperature, humidity, light exposure, and time, and form the basis of curing science. Breeders and cultivators track enzymatic markers—such as polyphenol oxidase and lipoxygenase activity—to predict how a cultivar's chemistry will evolve during the post-harvest window. Understanding these processes helps explain variability in flavor development, color shifts, and cannabinoid stability across different handling protocols.

Breeders select for enzymatic stability and activity profiles to predict shelf-life, color retention, and terpene preservation in finished products. Cultivars with slower chlorophyll breakdown or higher oxidative enzyme activity are often preferred for specific market segments or storage conditions.